Iomud Horse, Iomudskaya (Russian), Yamud (Iran)

The Iomud is a light horse breed that developed in Turkmenistan as a natural descendant of the ancient Turkmene horses. It is used for riding and light draft work, and is known for its endurance and ability to withstand desert conditions.

Breed History

The Iomud is an ancient breed, closely related to the Akhal-Teke, and descendant from the old Turkmenian horses. The Iomud was developed in southern Turkmenistan by the Iomud tribe in the Tashauz oasis. During the 14th century, Arabian stallions were used to influence the breed. Over the centuries the breed has also been influenced by infusions of Kazakh, Mongolian, Turkmene, and more recently Akhal-Teke blood.

In order to preserve the breed, stud farms were established in Turkmenistan in 1983 and given the responsibility of establishing a breeding nucleus of 240-250 mares, up from early 1980s numbers of 140. A conservation farm was also established in the Kyzyl-Atrek district of Turkmenistan.

Breed Characteristics

The Iomud usually stands 14.1 to 15 hands high, and is usually gray, but can also be chestnut, bay or black. They have a light head with a straight or slightly convex profile, set on a well-formed, rather thick neck. The shoulders are sloping, the chest deep and the withers prominent. The back is long and straight, usually with a slight depression towards the withers, and the croup is sloping. The legs are muscular, with clean joints, clearly defined tendons, and strong, well-formed hooves.

The breed has been strongly influenced by the conditions in which it was developed, namely the practice of raising the horses in herd in desert and semi-desert conditions. Their desert upbringing has resulted in breed that is very resistant to arid desert conditions, where often there is little water available. This endurance, combined with their natural jumping abilities, has made them a horse that is well-suited to three-day eventing.